LONDON, KY (February 7, 2021) - Laurel County Sheriff John Root is reporting that: Laurel Sheriff's Lt. Chris Edwards is investigating an incident after Sheriff's deputies were dispatched to a refusal to leave the complainant’s property off Chestnut Way approximately 1/2 mile west of London on Saturday night February 6, 2021 at approximately 10:29 PM.
While en route to the scene, Deputy Hobie Daugherty and Deputy James Fox were advised that a male subject was in the woodline behind the complainant's residence threatening to shoot the complainant. The complainant advised it was too dark to get a description of the suspect.
When deputies arrived at the scene, Deputy Hobie Daugherty along with Deputy James Fox who was nearby encountered the male suspect in the woodline laying prone armed with a pistol aimed at Deputy Daugherty in the wooded area behind the complainant's residence.
After the suspect refused to comply with commands to drop the weapon, Deputy Daugherty fired his service weapon in self protection striking the suspect in the shoulder and abdomen.
Deputies immediately disarmed the suspect and seized the weapon and deputies retrieved first aid equipment from their patrol vehicles and administered first aid to the suspect while the ambulance service was notified and responded to the scene along with other emergency service personnel including London City Police, other deputies, and Kentucky State Police.
The suspect was transported by ground to UK Medical Center in Lexington for treatment of serious injuries.
The suspect is identified as: Michael Collins age 59 of London, KY.
No deputies were injured.
Laurel Sheriff’s Lieut. Chris Edwards is the case officer and has obtained warrants of arrest for the suspect charging:
- Two counts of wanton endangerment – first-degree
By request of the Laurel County Sheriff's office, Kentucky State Police were notified and Lt. Tony Dingess was assigned to conduct the investigation regarding the response to resistance.
Other officers for the Laurel County Sheriff's office assisting included: Laurel County Sheriff John Root, Maj. Chuck Johnson, Lt. Chris Edwards, Detective Taylor McDaniel, Detective Robert Reed, Sgt. John Inman, Deputy Charlie Johnson, Deputy Jamie Etherton, Bailiff Dennis Gilbert and Bailiff Dawn Hearn.
Other agencies assisting included London City Police, Kentucky State Police and Ambulance Inc. of Laurel County.
Also assisting Is Laurel County Commonwealth Attorney Jackie Steele.
